Public Health Director Rebecca Johnson sent the following order:
The order lists a number of businesses that will be allowed to remain opened and businesses that should be closed along with restrictions for the businesses that will remain open.
Grocery, healthcare, convenience stores, and gas stations will remain open but are encouraged to reduce social interactions as much as possible and use curbside service where feasible.
The controversial wind energy business is coming to Bourbon County.
Following a request to Apex Clean Energy, the wind energy company from Charlottesville, Virginia for specifics on the project, the following statement was provided.
Apex Clean Energy entered into five agreements with the Bourbon County Commission last Friday, March 13, according to Helen Humphreys, public engagement manager for Apex.
“In addition to setting out how Jayhawk Wind (Jayhawk) will operate in the community, the agreements also empower the county to enforce the provisions and ensure residents’ concerns are addressed both during the construction process and once the project is operational,” according to the press release provided FortScott.Biz.
Julianna Pianelli, Apex Project Development Manager, said, “We appreciate the Bourbon County commissioners for their careful, objective review of the Jayhawk Wind agreements. We know that economic opportunity has been a priority for the county, and we are proud that Jayhawk will provide a new source of revenue, new jobs, and new customers for local businesses.”
The agreements with Bourbon County Commissioners are unique No other entity or individuals are similarly restricted in the use of county roads and given that Bourbon County does not have zoning restrictions, several of these agreements are entirely voluntary and reflect Apex’s commitment to community engagement, according to information provided by Humpherys.
The following was sent from Humphreys regarding the agreements with the Bourbon County Commission.
“Decommissioning Agreement
Decommissioning agreements are common in the wind industry and ensure that financial resources are available to remove the turbines and related facilities at the end of a project’s lifespan. The Jayhawk Decommissioning Agreement:
- Specifies that the turbines, and related equipment, will be removed by the project owner when the project is complete; and
- Requires that, on the 10th anniversary of the completion of construction, Jayhawk Wind will place a performance bond, letter of credit, or other security acceptable to the county to cover the net removal cost in an amount determined by an engineer selected by the county.
- To view the document:
- doc10726320200313102218-c-c-c
Contribution Agreement
The Contribution Agreement details the financial donation Jayhawk will make to Bourbon County if the project enters construction. Kansas law exempts renewable energy projects like Jayhawk from property taxes for the first ten years of operation, just as it does with a property such as farm equipment and other sources of energy production. In place of these taxes, wind developers often propose to donate funds to a county through a voluntary contribution agreement because we believe it is important that a project directly benefits its community.
In the Bourbon agreements, Jayhawk committed to making an initial payment of $407,812.50 to Bourbon County upon receiving notice to proceed with construction. This payment will be followed by nine annual payments of $365,625, and a final annual payment of $182,813.
After 10 years of operation, the tax exemption will expire, and Jayhawk will pay property taxes to the municipalities and school districts in which the project is located. According to the Jayhawk Wind Economic Impact Analysis:
- Bourbon County will receive annual revenues of $586,380 and a total of $11.4 million over the projected 25-year life of the project;
- Uniontown Unified School District will receive $387,000 annually beginning in year 11 and a total of $5.8 million;
- Girard Unified School District will receive $203,000 annually beginning in year 11 and a total of $3 million; and
- Erie Unified School District will receive $38,00 annually beginning in year 11 and a total of $572,000.
- To view the document:
- doc10726020200313102002-c-c-c
Road Use Agreement
The Road Use Agreement (RUA) clearly outlines Jayhawk’s obligation to maintain or improve the county roadways it will use. According to the agreement, the county will prepare a pre-construction road survey and establish an inventory of the roads before construction. These tools will be used to both mitigate project impacts on local traffic during construction and to determine what repairs and improvements will be needed to return the roads to pre-construction condition.
Also, vehicles with a combined weight of 80,000 pounds or more will be required to stay on approved transportation routes.
Jayhawk Wind agrees to return the roads it uses during construction to a condition that is “as good or better” to that existing before construction. Also, Jayhawk will be obligated to make repairs to any roads damaged during construction that create a hazard to the traveling public.
The RUA ensures Bourbon County has the resources needed to oversee the project and details how Jayhawk Wind will coordinate with county officials, by providing:
- $50,000 for the County to hire outside engineering or added employee costs;
- $250,000 security provided by Jayhawk before construction begins to guarantee its obligations under the RUA;
- Proof that Jayhawk shall maintain $3,000,000 in insurance; and
- That even after Jayhawk becomes operational, larger projects for which Jayhawk must use county roads will require Jayhawk to purchase a bond and ensure damage resulting from its road use is repaired.
- To view the document:
- doc10725620200313101557-c-c-c
Development Agreement
While Bourbon County is not a zoned county, Jayhawk voluntarily agreed to a few project design restrictions including:
- Sound from each turbine shall be less than 50 dBA at any non-participating home;
- Turbines shall be set no less than 1,400 feet from any non-participating home;
- Turbines shall be set back no less than 1.1 times the height of the turbine from any non-participating property line;
- Turbines shall be set back no less than 1.1 times the height of the turbine from any county road; and
- Turbines shall be tubular towers and lighting shall be by the FAA.
- To view the document:
- doc10725720200313101736-c (Signature Edit)-c-c
Complaint Resolution Agreement
Jayhawk agreed to a complaint resolution process that ensures members of the public who make a complaint can have confidence that their concerns will be addressed. Moreover, it empowers the county to order a review of unresolved complaints by an independent engineer. The Development Agreement requires Jayhawk to:
- Establish a “24/7” single point of contact to take claims or issues and respond to complaints within five business days;
- Maintain a record of complaints received and resolve any deemed to violate the Development Agreement; and
- Be bound by the decision of a third-party engineer during dispute resolution between the county and the project.”
- To view the document:
- doc10725920200313101859-c-c-c
“Cumulatively, these agreements enable the continued development of Jayhawk while providing certainty for Bourbon County that all residents will benefit either directly or indirectly from the project,” according to the information provided by Humphreys.
The Jayhawk Wind project is expected to be operational in 2021.according to the information from Humphreys. It will produce enough power to supply 70,000 average U.S. homes and will also provide significant economic benefits for the local economy, according to the information. This includes the creation of more than 115 construction jobs and seven long-term operations positions.
The election process has begun and this year the general election date is November 3,
“Filing deadline is noon, June 1st, 2020,” Bourbon County Clerk Kendell Mason said. “Anyone wanting to run for a local office can pick up the filing paperwork from my office.”
The county clerk’s office is located on the first floor of the north wing of the Bourbon County courthouse, 210 S. National Ave.
Since the interview, the courthouse has temporarily closed due to COVID 19 prevention measures.
“I am checking my emails on a regular basis,” Mason said on March 17. “if someone needs a packet they can email me with their mailing information and we will mail them a packet. My email address is [email protected].”
At the county level, there have been some filings for Bourbon County Sheriff and two commission positions, Mason said.
So far this year, three men have applied to run for Bourbon County Sheriff: Derick Burke, Bill Martin and Craig A. Rice
Two Bourbon County Commission seats are up for election:
For Commission District #2 – Jeffrey Fischer and Jim Harris
For Commission District #3 – LeRoy “Nick” Ruhl
“Elections in even years are in August and November,” Mason said. “A law changed the odd-year elections from spring to fall.
As of last week, there are no amendments received to be put on the ballot, Mason said.
The following is from the Bourbon County website:
Not sure if you’re registered to vote or where to vote?
You may register to vote online, through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.
Check your voter registration status, the location of your polling place and view a sample ballot at VoterView by the Secretary of State.
Advance Voting is available prior to each election. You may advance vote in one of two ways: By mail, by filing an application for a ballot to be mailed to you OR in-person, beginning at least one week prior to any election.
Dollar General Corporation announced plans to dedicate the first hour of each shopping day to senior shoppers, as well as amend store operating hours beginning March 17, 2020.
Senior Hour Encouragement
“Dollar General is strongly encouraging that the first hour of operations each day be dedicated solely for the shopping needs of senior customers, who are one of the groups most vulnerable to the COVID-19 coronavirus. In keeping with the Company’s mission of Serving Others,” according to its’ website. “Dollar General wants to provide these at-risk customers with the ability to purchase the items they need and want at the beginning of each day to avoid busier and more crowded shopping periods.”
“Other customers are encouraged to plan their shopping trips around this window of time to allow the most susceptible customers in our communities the ability to shop during the first hour that stores are open.
Store Hour Adjustments
Additionally, all stores plan to close one hour earlier than current close times to allow employees to clean and re-stock store shelves, as well as for their health and wellbeing. Stores will continue to maintain current opening hours. Normal operating hours by individual store locations are available here.Dollar General remains committed to providing customers and employees with a safe, clean and pleasant shopping environment at all stores and seeks for customers to feel confident when shopping its stores.
Quote from Todd Vasos, CEO
“In keeping with our mission and our ongoing commitment to serve our communities, we are dedicating the first hour of each day to seniors. We appreciate our customers’ understanding of our decision and request they visit our stores later in the morning to allow at-risk populations the ability to purchase the items they need at affordable prices,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s CEO. “During these unprecedented times, Dollar General is diligently working to meet the ongoing needs of our customers and communities. We are proud to live our mission and provide customers with everyday low prices on the household essentials that are used and replenished most often.”
About Dollar General Corporation
Dollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for more than 80 years. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day!® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, housewares and seasonal items at everyday low prices in convenient neighborhood locations. Dollar General operated 16,278 stores in 44 states as of January 31, 2020. In addition to high-quality private brands, Dollar General sells products from America’s most-trusted manufacturers such as Clorox, Energizer, Procter & Gamble, Hanes, Coca-Cola, Mars, Unilever, Nestle, Kimberly-Clark, Kellogg’s, General Mills, and PepsiCo. Learn more about Dollar General at www.dollargeneral.com.”
Hi-speed internet is coming to Uniontown.
Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative, Girard, received a broadband internet loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and has been stockpiling conduit and cable in Uniontown since late February 2020.
The new high-speed internet service will be provided to the 350 customers in Uniontown, Craig Wilbert, general manager of Craw-Kan said.
“There will be no rate change,” Wilbert said.
Craw-Kan crews will be replacing copper lines, then connect to computers, phone, and cable TV, giving access to up to 1,000 gigabits per second.
A landline may be required as a prerequisite for internet service based on geographic location, call the cooperative at 620-724-8235 to check.
The benefits of the new project: getting the fastest available internet in the county, at an affordable rate, Wilbert said.
” Great for students and also makes working from home a reality,” Wilbert said.
The internet service will only be for Craw-Kan Cooperative members.
The Uniontown project will start late spring 2020. “when the weather dries out a bit” and won’t be complete until mid to late 2021, Wilbert said.
The cooperative received a Rural Utilities Services loan which requires contractors to be certified by an engineering company that has demonstrated the ability to complete a project this large. Any contractor meeting this condition can bid on the job, Wilbert said.
To learn about Craw-Kan prices:
https://ckt.net/service/internet/
Fort Scott Fiber Optic Project
Craw-Kan has also been replacing internet copper lines in Fort Scott, in preparation for service there.
Uniontown will all be done at the same time as the Fort Scott project and will be cut over to be in service at the same time, Wilbert said.
“The Fort Scott project is about one-half done,” Wilbert said. “There is a central office on National Avenue where our equipment is.
“The west side of Ft. Scott is nearly complete,” he said.” I anticipate about 12 more months for the rest of the city to be completed. We do it in sections so services will be available in chunks of territories as they are completed.”
Why does a project like this take so long?
” Mainly it is a matter of cost,” Wilbert said. “Ft. Scott will end up being a several million dollar project and the Cooperative simply does not have the financial means to complete a city the size of Ft. Scott in one year. The second reason is the scope of the project. It is similar to replacing every water or electric line in town. We are passing every home and business within the city limits. That’s a lot of fiber to bury! Definitely worth the wait.”
The life expectancy of fiber optic lines is 40 years, Wilbert said.
Craw-Kan Expanding Business Customers
The projects are the result of declining populations in rural areas nationwide, he said. This was affecting the Craw-Kan business negatively.
“We needed to find new business,” Wilbert said. “We decided to find non-members of the coop, they are strictly customers.”
They received requests from Mound City, St.Paul, Pittsburg and Fort Scott and those projects are completed, he said.
KDHE issues new recommendations for quarantine and isolation of travelers,
close contacts and those being tested
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is issuing new guidance today surrounding COVID-19, including travelers, close contacts of confirmed cases and those being tested.
KDHE is now recommending 14-day home quarantine for Kansans who have:
“We know there are a lot of questions and concerns from people,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “One thing we want to stress is that having contact with someone who may have been exposed to someone who may be a COVID-19 case is not a reason to worry or quarantine yourself. Public health officials will notify you if you are a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19.”
There is no need for returning travelers to notify KDHE about their return. Information on COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and states with community transmission can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
Home Quarantine Guidelines
Those who are under home quarantine should not attend school, work or any other setting where they are not able to maintain at about a 6-foot distance from other people.
If a person under quarantine develops symptoms of COVID-19 during their 14-day quarantine period, including a measured fever of 100.4 (F) or higher and lower respiratory symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath, they should contact their healthcare provider and tell them about their recent travel or other COVID-19 exposure.
Testing for COVID-19
Healthcare providers should evaluate exposure history and symptoms and call KDHE if COVID-19 is suspected. KDHE only approves COVID-19 testing requests from healthcare providers and local health departments.
People who are currently being tested for COVID-19 should remain in home isolation, or hospital isolation if symptoms are severe enough to be hospitalized, until test results are available. If the test result is negative, isolation is no longer required. If test results are positive for COVID-19, the person must remain in isolation until released by public health.
Prevention
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid spreading the virus and to avoid being exposed to the virus. The virus is thought to spread between people who are within about 6 feet of each other for at least 10 minutes through droplets from coughing and sneezing.
To reduce risk, everyone should:
For more information, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus. KDHE has a phone bank that is staffed Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. The phone number is 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF). KDHE also has an email address for general inquiries, [email protected]. Please note these contacts are for general questions and cannot provide you with medical evaluations. If you are feeling ill, please stay home and call your healthcare provider.
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A Sunday drive through Gunn Park found Alison Leach digging in the entrance garden of Fort Scott’s largest park.
“I thought I would come out and work about an hour,” she said. “To get away from all the craziness (of the COVID 19 news). I am removing weeds, turning soil and seeing what we have to work with.”
She is part of the Citizens For Park Improvement group that has organized under the initiating of Seth Needham.
Some of the group met yesterday, but it was raining and cool, so Leach opted not to come.
Leach and her family, the Leach-Troutman family, have volunteered to enhance the entrance to the park, she said.
“Redbud Nurseries is donating $150 for this project,” Leach said.
Check out the Citizens for Park Improvements Facebook page.
Visiting loved ones and friends in Fort Scott nursing homes is not advised because of the COVID 19 pandemic.
“We are monitoring who comes and goes,” Kathy Nalley, administrator of Guest Home Estates, 737 Heylman, said. “That’s what the CDC is saying to caregiver facilities.”
As of this morning, the doors are locked at Guest Home Estates, she said.
Kenna Smith, owner-operator of Franklin House, 1126 Horton, said only health care providers will be allowed into their facility.
“It’s hard on everybody, but necessary,” Smith said. They have not been allowing visitors since yesterday, she said.
Country Place Senior Living, 820 S. Horton, also has visitor restrictions.
“Out of caution and care, we are limiting to direct staff care and health care providers,” Margaret Moyer, director of Country Place, said. “I’ve received notification from corporate office. It’s effective as of 10 a.m. today.”
Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton, is discouraging visitors, but they are allowed, Becky Kellum, marketing director at the assisted living facility said.
On March 10, Lynnette Emmerson, administrator of Medicalodge, 915 S. Horton, wrote a letter to the families of their residents asking for families and friends to not visit the nursing home for the benefit of its’ residents., she said.
She is following the Center for Medicare Services recommendations that they are getting from the Center for Disease Control, she said.
They are actively screening individuals, including staff, who are necessary to come into the facility, Emmerson wrote in the letter.
FortScott.Biz was unable to speak with Hillside Guest House leaders on their possible visitation constraints.
Please be advised to contact them, should you have questions.
Fort Scott Community College’s football team has a new vision, with all new coaches.
Head coach Carson Hunter was hired in December 2019.
“Our program vision is to recruit, develop, and lead a family of faithful, honest, and fearless leaders to best represent Fort Scott and the community,” Hunter said. “To best represent Fort Scott – academically, socially, and athletically.”
“I think Carson is a great hire,” Alysia Johnston, FSCC president, said. “He is committed to making sure our student-athletes have positive transformational experiences in the classroom and on the field as well as making sure they have a positive impact on the college and community.”
“We are thrilled to have Carson Hunter as the leader of our football program,” FSCC Athletic Director Tom Havron said. ” When we spoke early about the direction of the program, it was very apparent that we both shared the same vision.”
“Coach Hunter is focused on players and coaches who will love their team, love Fort Scott, and love the game,” Havron said. “He is a man of great character, faith, and values who will lead by example for the young men at Fort Scott Community College.”
Havron has been impressed with Hunter’s work ethic and ability to surround himself with excellent coaches that share a common vision.
“The football program is in very good hands, and I am excited to see the results of the work being put in by the staff and the players,” Havron said. “The community of Fort Scott will be proud to support this program moving forward.”
Community Engagement Encouraged
“For us to be our best, we need everyone to take part of what we are doing,” Hunter said. “We invite all of Fort Scott to join us as program members – to encourage, support, and engage our student-athletes.”
Hunter said he has been working hard to establish a reputation with Fort Scott and the region, “and everyone that wants to be a member of our program.”
“Program members come in all shapes and sizes,” he said. “Some will be defensive ends, some will be patting everybody on the back. Everyone will have a role, we need the community to help, and understand that this is their team.”
“And, our players need to be a part of what Fort Scott is doing,” he said. ” We need everyone to let us know how our program can help and serve. Engage the team, we need them to be a part of what the community is doing. If there is stuff that our guys can be involved in, we want to do it.”
“I want to encourage everyone to follow us on Facebook at Fort Scott Football and on Twitter @FSCCFOOTBALL,” Hunter said.
All New Coaches
All new FSCC football coaches will be a part of the new direction of the team.
“Some of these guys have worked together before in different places,” Hunter said. “All have Division 1 or professional coaching experience.”
Hunter is the head coach, to learn more of his background:https://www.fsgreyhounds.com/sports/fball/coaches/Carson_Hunter?view=bio
Michael Reynolds will be the new ILB inside linebacker coach: https://www.fsgreyhounds.com/sports/fball/coaches/Michael_Reynolds?view=bio
Brant Newman will be the director of player personnel and defensive line coach: https://www.fsgreyhounds.com/sports/fball/coaches/Brant_Newman?view=bio
Amir Gant will be the receivers coach: https://www.fsgreyhounds.com/sports/fball/coaches/R._Amir_Grant?view=bio
Cam Robinson will be the offensive coordinator: https://www.fsgreyhounds.com/sports/fball/coaches/Cam_Robinson?view=bio
William Henry will be the special team’s coordinator and defensive back coach: https://www.fsgreyhounds.com/sports/fball/coaches/William_Henry?view=bio
Two other coaches, Harris Bivin and Kurt Kennedy, did not have background information on the FSCC Athletics page as of the date of the story being published.
A local piano teacher has encouraged many students to pursue music in her 25-year career.
And it started in her childhood with a passion for piano and encouragement from her parents.
When Carolyn Tucker was in third grade, she had a desire to play the piano but there was no piano in her home.
Like a broken record, she consistently told her parents that she wanted to play, she said.
“They soon realized this desire was not going to go away, so one Saturday the three of us went to Springfield, MO, to shop for a piano,” Tucker said. “A few days later a brand-new piano was delivered to our home, and I couldn‘t play a lick! That expensive purchase was a huge step of faith for my parents and I will always be grateful.”
She began studying piano with Miss Rebecca Murray and found she loved it.
“I soon realized that God had given me the gift to play by ear, ” she said. “My mother never had to tell me to practice my lessons because every time I walked through the living room, I’d stop and play the piano. The ability to read music and play by ear was a great marriage, and by the time I was in eighth grade, I was the church pianist. I ‘cut my teeth’ on gospel music and it’s always been my first love.”
Since that purchase and the subsequent lessons, she’s been sharing her of love of music for 53 years in various church settings, weddings, funerals, civic functions, patriotic programs, nursing homes, retirement facilities, gospel concerts, family reunions, baby dedications, recitals, music parties, prayer breakfasts, etc.
“Music is a powerful language that everyone understands because it speaks from the heart,” she said.
In 1994, a friend asked her if she would teach her daughter to play the piano.
“I agreed to give it a try. Now, 25 years later, 97 students have come through the studio,” she said.
Grateful
“Playing the piano has provided a lifetime of musical ministry and joy for me,” Tucker said. ” I can’t imagine what my life would be like had my parents not provided the ‘begged-for’ piano and lessons for me.”
“I believe every baby is born with God-given gifts, and it’s up to the parents to help the child discover his/her destiny using those gifts for God‘s glory,” she said. “My Dad always said, ‘Buying that piano was the best investment I ever made.'”
Encourage children to find musical gifts
Tucker wants to inspire parents to provide their children with opportunities to find their gifts.
“God doesn’t gift every individual to be musical, but if a child expresses a deep desire to play an instrument, there’s a good chance that he/she was created to do it,” she said. “You never know what treasure lies within a child’s heart until the door is opened.
To contact Tucker for lessons, call 620-223-1483.
Tucker Music Studio is located at 954 240th Street
Fort Scott.
